kepala

Kepala is a common Indonesian word with several related meanings. Literally, it refers to the head, the upper part of the body that contains the brain and sensory organs. Figuratively, kepala also denotes a leader or chief, used for people who head organizations, communities, or institutions.

Anatomically, the kepala comprises the skull (tengkorak), the brain, and the sense organs such as the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It is connected to the body by the neck and forms the front and upper portion of the torso. In everyday language, kepala is used to describe processes linked to thought, perception, and control.

As a title or role, kepala is common in compound phrases that name positions of authority, including kepala desa (village head) and kepala sekolah (principal). These uses identify leadership or managerial responsibility rather than anatomical features and appear in formal and administrative contexts.

Etymology and usage: the term comes from Malay and Indonesian, with cognates in related Austronesian languages. It is a versatile and widely used noun in Indonesia and Malaysia, employed in literal descriptions of the body as well as in figurative expressions and official titles.